Royal Canin USA, a manufacturer of specialty and prescription dog and cat food and treats, launched construction on a new, 145,000-square-foot facility in North Sioux City, SD. The $100 million plant will be completed in 2019. It will be at the site of, and will replace, the current operating plant at 630 Derby Lane.

According to local media reports, the new facility will be 50% larger than the current one, and will be more energy efficient. Though the expansion itself won’t necessarily increase the current 185-person employee base, Paige Petersen with North Sioux Economic Development, indicated that the project will add value to the business community, while influencing additional business development.